Ahead of Manchester United’s first team clash with Ipswich Town, the under-21s were in action against their counterparts.
If the first team match is anything like this game, then Michael Carrick’s side are in for an enjoyable afternoon this coming weekend.
Manchester United’s under-21s were totally dominant and eased to victory. Goalkeeper Cameron Byrne-Hughes was making his debut at this level and had a very easy night.
How JJ Gabriel led Manchester United to win
It took only two minutes for United to break the deadlock.
JJ Gabriel turned inside the Ipswich box and picked out Victor Musa. The forward took a touch, and then fired the ball into the net.
Gabriel was making his first competitive under-21 appearance, and this was the perfect way to start.
Another debutant, Tynan Thompson, orchestrated Manchester United’s second goal.
The summer signing from Tottenham took possession on the left and jinked across the edge of the box before picking out Jack Fletcher.
Two touches from Fletcher later, and the ball was in the back of the net.
United absolutely dominated the rest of the first half, with Musa forcing two saves, while JJ Gabriel was fouled when through on goal, and nothing was given. Perhaps the referee simply felt sorry for Ipswich?
Jaydan Kamason had no sympathy at all.
After Gabriel got in behind the Ipswich defence and cut the ball back, an onrushing Kamason absolutely leathered his shot into the roof of the net. It was a great goal from the right-back.
Minutes later, Gabriel and Thompson combined to force a corner, and United made it 4-0 by half-time. Tyler Fletcher’s cross was headed in by centre-back Dan Armer.
United returned for the second half still looking for goals, and in the 50th minute, 15-year-old JJ Gabriel was on to score his first under-21 goal.
Jack Fletcher’s stunning through ball put Gabriel through one-v-one, and he finished by chipping the goalkeeper.
Ipswich were reduced to 10 men with 25 minutes to go after a frustrated Leon Elliott picked up a second booking.
United eased out the game to a 5-0 win, making five changes, including an under-21 debut for Cristian Orozco.
Godwill Kukonki also came off the bench, making a return to action after missing pre-season.
Thompson almost added a sixth in stoppage time, with Ipswich just about keeping him out.
This was a night where United could have had 10 goals, and Ipswich got off lightly. It will be remembered for JJ Gabriel’s super-show, and also a night where Tynan Thompson properly announced himself to United fans.
Gabriel in particular even looked too good for this level, and it won’t be long until we see him in the first team.
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Goal details
- 1-0: Victor Musa goal, JJ Gabriel assist
- 2-0: Jack Fletcher goal, Tynan Thompson assist
- 3-0: Jaydan Kamason goal, JJ Gabriel assist
- 4-0: Dan Armer goal, Tyler Fletcher assist
- 5-0: JJ Gabriel goal, Jack Fletcher assist
Starters
Byrne-Hughes, Kamason, Mills, Armer, Amass, T. Fletcher, J. Fletcher, Musa, JJ Gabriel, Thompson, Ibragimov
Subs: Murdock, Kukonki, Munro, Orozco, Thwaites, Mantato, Missin
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/ohZC374